Kijani was stunned to silence. Something about his eyes- there was a story within them. She could feel it. She'd made a lifetime of learning to read people's intentions, to read the subtlety within a gesture or a glance. In Mr. Croil's gaze, she read more than she'd ever read from anyone else, ever. Distrust, pain, weariness... and yet again, hope, contentment... and confusion. She wasn't sure what that last one was about.

She was lost in discerning his emotions, and had no response to his advice, but to nod and smile. As he left the room, she felt the odd spell that had come over her break. There was a warmth in her chest that she didn't recognize.

And then Feather confused her. The girl's excitement and shock was obvious, but Kijani had no idea what she was going on about.

“What in the world do you mean, Feather? He was being a gentleman. It's only right to accept someone's honest thanks.” She milled about the kitchen, wondering what she would ask Feather to pack up for her walk. Somehow she was looking forward to it. “That doesn't mean he feels any particular way toward me.”